The couple has a daughter, Mokshadha and a son, Mahadhan. Film career 1988–1996: Early struggles Half way through his graduation, he went to Madras in 1988 to pursue a career in films. In his early years in Madras, YVS Chowdary and Gunasekhar were his roommates. He played small roles in the films Karthavyam (1990), Abhimanyu (1990), Chaitanya (1991), Collector Gaari Alludu (1992), and Aaj Ka Goonda Raj (1992). Ravi Teja became an assistant director, working in both television and film. As an assistant director, he worked in several Bollywood as well as Telugu projects including Prathihnbandh, Aaj Ka Goonda Raj, and Criminal. He met Krishna Vamsi and worked as an assistant director under him for the 1996 hit film Ninne Pelladata. Vamsi also gave Ravi Teja the opportunity to act in a small role in that film. He continued to work as an assistant director for a few other films. 1997–2000: Recognition In 1997, while still working as an assistant director, Ravi Teja got an opportunity to act in the film Sindhooram directed by Krishna Vamsi in a supporting role. The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu. Ravi Teja followed up with roles in the films Seetha Rama Raju, Padutha Teeyaga, Manasichhi Choodu and Krishna Reddy's Premaku Velayara. In 1999, he was cast in a leading role by Srinu Vaitla for Nee Kosam. The film won the Silver Nandi for Best Film. Ravi Teja won the Nandi Award for Best Actor Special Jury for his performance. Following this, he started appearing in more significant roles such as Krishna Vamsi's Samudram, Chiranjeevi's Annayya and Budget Padmanabham. He also appeared in lead roles in multi-starrer films such as Kshemanga Velli Labanga Randi, Tirumala Tirupathi Venkatesa, Sakuntumba Sapari Vare Sametham and Ammayi Kosam. 2001–2005: Breakthrough as a lead actor In 2001, Ravi Teja's association with Puri Jagannadh began when he cast Ravi Teja as the lead role in Itlu Sravani Subramanyam. The film was a commercial hit and got Ravi Teja credibility as a solo lead actor. In 2002, his next film Avunu Valliddaru Ista Paddaru!, directed by Vamsy and co-starring Kalyani was released. The film was a successful at the box office and won Ravi Teja acclaim. The year also saw Ravi Teja in Idiot. Directed by Puri Jagannadh and co-starring Rakshita, it was a blockbuster hit and Ravi Teja's performance and dialogue delivery were praised